Travel Blog

Travelling to Japan and Thailand has been an unforgettable gastric journey, exceeding our expectations. We chose to travel to these countries, in part, for this very reason – we love their food!

Our goal in Japan was to eat sushi and ramen, ramen and sushi – we had overwhelming success. Noodles and/or rice became our staple for most meals. At breakfast, we struggled to find appealing options. We could not get past wanting yogurt and muesli or eggs and toast, and when did find a place that offered a quasi-Western-style breakfast it was not what we had hoped.

Menus and signs resembled abstract paintings (even with Google Pictures), so we relied on bright-coloured pictures and bold English lettering saying ramen, noodles and sushi. We often had to order our ramen via a vending machine, which was tricky due to the lack of English lettering. It was always a nice surprise. We ate at conveyor belt sushi as it was easy to order, visual and who can resist watching your sushi zoom by!? We loved it.

We stuck to restaurants where we saw many locals eating; we never had a bad meal! Everything was fresh and super tasty. Peter got tired of the rice, I got tired of the noodles. I would have eaten sushi for every meal (I thought I was on my way to getting scurvy by the last day). I miss Japan.

We were very excited to experience all the tastiness of Thailand. We both LOVE Thai food. The food here in Southern Thailand is bolder and spicier than in the north and suited us just fine! The choices are overwhelming, and tastes are a true delight to the senses. We have not been disappointed! Tremendous variety, pages and pages (in English) of dishes, and we struggled with every meal trying to decide which delectable dish to choose.

We had thought we would eat more street food, but we have not seen much of that in the areas we have stayed except at street markets and in one area of Ao Nang. We clued in (duh) and started using Mr. Google to help us choose our places to eat. We only winged it a couple of times; one of those times Peter prayed all night to the porcelain gods (It was pizza).

Food in Railey Beach was meh, better in Ao Nang and to die for here on Koh Lanta. We found a lovely family off-the-beaten-path restaurant where we ate 3 to 4 times while in South Lanta. Best pad Thai ever (sorry Juanita:) We have enjoyed fabulous Indian Food, some of the best we’ve ever had. Most establishments are open-air spaces with maybe three walls and don’t quite have the ambience or comfort to stay past the end of the meal. Everyone is all so kind and the food leaves a lasting impression and that is enough for us.

Our food and drink costs in both countries, especially Thailand, have been extremely reasonable. We have eaten out for most meals (breakfast we usually ate at our Airbnb, and surprise muesli and yogurt!!), but we do often share meals or order an appy and one meal. We were paying, on average, 35$ CAD a day in Thailand, and 100$ in Japan. This is for all food and drink. We can’t go out for pizza and a beer each in Campbell River without leaving 60$ CAD behind.

Sadly we are in the final week of our yummy food tour. We are looking forward to having our variety of choices back but are greatful to have been able to embark on this culinary adventure. Both of these countries have left an indelible mark on our taste buds. We hope to one day experience it all over again.

Koh Lanta Pictures

**I am not a food photographer by any standards**

I have been struggling  to come up with an enthralling yet witty post.  My creative juices have taken a holiday… Instead, here is a short update and some photos.

We are on Koh Lanta staying at an Airbnb; it’s a stunning villa tucked away in a tiny village on the south end of the island.  We spent the first 2.5 weeks of our trip staying in busier areas doing more activities. The last half of the trip will be very chill.

Since arriving, we have been snorkelling on the beautiful beaches, watching gorgeous sunsets, and relaxing on our huge deck in the hammock (I’m in in the hammock). We love the pace here, and the food is to die for (though I am hankering for a good green salad).  A scooter rental is up next (say a small prayer for us).  We would like to explore and snorkel at a few beaches south of us.  There is a National Park at the southern tip of the island that has a hiking trail, a lighthouse and a beautiful beach.  I am hoping I can take pictures of something other than of a monkey or a sunset.  We are going on a dive boat next Sunday to snorkel.  It’s been very windy so the hope is by the 4th it will have calmed down and the water will have cleared up.

We leave Koh Lanta for Bangkok on the 7th and fly back to Canada on the 9th.

Two funny incidents (funny IMO) to report:

Another cheeky monkey (probably not related) nipped into our villa and pinched my bright yellow knitting bag.  We ran to the window and Peter yelled for me to get a piece of fruit to barter for my bag.  The little monkey opened the bag, discovered that it was NOT a mango and promptly dropped it.  No bartering needed so monkey left empty handed.

2.  We locked ourselves out of our ensuite bathroom this morning.  Peter had to climb an 8’ retaining wall and break in.  Good thing he goes to the gym.

I will try to come up with another post before we head back, but no promises.  Ideas welcome!

Here is the link to some more photos.  Guess what?? Monkeys and sunsets!!!

Pictures from Ao Nong and Koh Lanta

It all started with a hunt for salt and vinegar chips. Railey Beach, where we spent five nights, is where the crime occurred. Railey is a remote, small community, accessed only by boat; accordingly, chip-purchasing prospects are bleak. Chips, notably salt and vinegar, are essential for evening happy hour and are a fan favourite in our house. The only places that held potential possibilities were the tiny mini-marts scattered about the area. Every day, while doing next-to-nothing, mostly finding shade and a cold beer, we would nip into a mini-mart and check the inventory. Every day we failed to procure those salty morsels full of flavour; instead, we were to endure such flavours as balsamic vinegar or just plain salt (we left the shrimp flavour ones on the shelf).

On the last full day, we found a small area of businesses on a tucked-away boardwalk. Eureka! The mini-mart at the far end of the boardwalk blessed us with Lorenz salt and vinegar chips! We clapped, cheered, high-fived and immediately purchased, turning down the offer of a plastic bag. All smug and cocky, we headed for our cabin to commence the ritual happy hour. Like Little Red Riding Hood we decided to take a shortcut. As we zigzagged through the maze of shaded concrete alleys, we abruptly stopped at the site of a rather large group of Macaque* monkeys. They mingled around, some high on ledges above and some posed on the pathway. I was carrying the sacred package in one hand and the phone/camera in the other. I wanted to take a quick snapshot of the sweet crew.

Suddenly, a brute of a monkey on the ground eyed our precious cargo and started to creep towards me with his long, gangly arm outstretched. I panicked. Peter panicked. I then remembered a guy from my Nepal trek who got bit and had to get a three-grand rabies shot. I no longer wanted the coveted chips in my sweaty paws. This descendant of mine was coming for them. The rest is a blur of yelling “You take them! No, you take them!!” (So much for chivalry) and playing hot potatoes with our precious cargo. I tried to stuff them in Peter’s backpack (he kept turning on me). During our domestic drama, the sneaky monkey had watched our turning and spinning and took the opportunity when the bag was not in play. He snatched it from the pack and bounded up the wall. Stunned, we stood watching the little s$#t gracefully slice open the bag with his nails and pluck the chips into his mouth.

In shock, and slightly embarrassed, we strode away, stewing over our loss and facing a chipless Happy Hour. We knew now why the lady had wanted us to take the bag.  No arrests were made.

Railey Pictures

*There are 3 types of primates living in this area:  Macques (the food stealers), Dusky Lungurs (so cute and NOT food stealers) and family of Gibbons, the smallest the smallest apes on the planet (they were hiding).*

**All monkey pictures are not considered offenders of above crime**

Are you excited?? It’s the million dollar question everyone asks before a holiday. Yes of course! Is the answer expected. Full disclosure, I am NEVER excited before a trip. Worried, yes. Anxious, for sure. I hold out for excited. I am a first class worrier, it comes naturally to me. And anxiety is the icing on my cake. Travel just seems to push me over the edge of reason.

I start early. Why wait? I obsessive about the chance of missing a detail or forgetting an item in my planning or packing. Did I book the right hotel? Do I have have enough food/snacks (like enough to sustain us for a month on a deserted island.) Or if we should get a SIM card and which one is best?! I worry too about those I’ve left behind (we have awesome sitters for all) but I know how much they miss us. The devil is truly in the details.

So you might ask then why I endure, why not just stay home and never travel? I say because I would never then have the chance to make memories, have adventures, meet people and explore other cultures or capture all this to share with others. I love and cherish every adventure I have taken each in its own way.

I write this as I am flying clear across the world sitting on my aching ass (which I was worried about). I sometimes just can’t reason with my mind. I have learned instead to trust the process, and like this plane hopefully arrive gently and smoothly at my destination with a fresh new perspective.

Let the Tokyo adventures begin…

In the not so distance past this title would NOT have applied to me in any way shape or form. I was the world champion of “bring your closet on vacation”. But, my trip to Nepal (Everest Base Camp Trek) in 2022 tested my world title. We were only allowed 10kg/22 pounds for the 17 days trekking, and I actually did it! Small nervous breakdown included. Now that I know it is possible to achieve, I aim to go with only a carryon. Rising costs, lost baggage, and the ease of travel makes carryon for the win.

Packing is an art that involves strategy, creativity, and practicality. Planning ahead is huge for me. Lists, lists, and more lists. I go over it, add and subtract, at least a month or so ahead. Considerations are destination, duration and weather conditions. Knowing those I can consider what is necessary and what is extra “nice” to have. I have a pretty neutral wardrobe to begin with (black, white grey and denim) so its versatile and easy to match up.

A week or so before I do my trial run pack.  I follow the list.   Bam! Out pops the former world champion!!  I throw in eight more tops and 3 shorts…but after a stern argument in my head I lose to reason and go with less.   This process has taken days, but this time I was quite successful at 1 day.  

This trip involves 2 climates/destinations and 4.5 weeks away, so it was a bit trickier. Thailand packing consists of a couple of swim suits, shorts, a couple t’s and tanks and sandals. It’s 30-35 degrees there who needs clothes? Japan was a bit trickier. I am bringing one pair of jeans, 2 light sweaters, a fleece and lighter jacket that is wind and water resistant. I am wearing runners. It is warm in Tokyo, 10-14 degrees, and they get very little rain.

For my liquids am packing travel sized bottles that fit into a medium size ziplock as required. I bring a fully stocked drugstore (it’s hard to explain in a foreign country that you can’t poop). My electric toothbrush comes along, and few other little items. It all fits in the front zippered pockets of my bag where I can access it and I know it will not mess up my clothes.

Accessories and tech all go in a small tote/backpack that is my personal carry on bag. It contains: a small blanket; a folding stool (you’re scratching your head); a seat pad (thanks Gillian), a knitting project (?); my iPad and hearing aids. I no longer travel with my DSLR camera and gear, I only use my iPhone. And of course all the copied paper work, passport and sunglasses!! Peter will carry the snacks:).

We leave in exactly one week today and I am feeling pretty secure with my packing performance. I can now move on to worrying about something else and drive Peter a little bit more crazier.

Peter and I are getting excited for our next big adventure! Come January 9th we will be off to Asia, hitting Japan for a few days, then over to Thailand for a month. It won’t be a super adventurous trip (no big treks), our plan for the month is to not have a solid plan.

Our stop in Japan is short but will be delicious. We have 4 nights in the city of Minto, located centrally in Tokyo. We will eat, sleep, walk, repeat. Think ramen and conveyor belt sushi. The idea is to adjust to the time change and break up the travel time.

In Thailand, we will rent a scooter to explore and find hiking trails. I may try climbing at Railey Beach. Read and relax, and most importantly take some photos and eat Thai food! We have places booked on Railey Beach West, the outskirts of the city of Krabi, and Koh Lanta. We left the last week open to possibilities.

Stay tuned for more.